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1. Does my project need to receive some type of NPDES review for the Town?

Yes, all projects have some type of submittal to make to be in compliance with either the NPDES program or Town ordinances. The type of Town review required is dependent on the land disturbance area and type of construction being completed. Please review the Construction page of the Stormwater Division website for additional information on the type of review specific to your project or contact the Stormwater Division at 843-856-2157.

2. I have a 2006 State Construction permit, what do I need to do to meet the 2012 requirements?

Please note that this is a STATE permit, Mount Pleasant is required to assist the state with the implementation of the state's permit. Any permit questions need to be directed to the SCDHEC coastal office at 843-953-0200.

2012 Permit requirement 2.4.2

A. If you previously received authorization to discharge for the current phase of your Project under the 2006 CGP, you shall be granted coverage under the 2012 general permit as long as your construction site complies with Section 3.1.1.F of the new permit. There will be no additional fees associated with an extension of coverage for existing sites under the new general permit. However, SCDHEC may, at its discretion, require an Applicant to confirm their intent to be covered under this new permit following its effective date. Should confirmation be requested and not provided within 30 calendar days from the date of the written request, coverage under the new general permit will be terminated. Should a site with terminated coverage be determined not to be finally stabilized or construction continues; the Owner/Operator must submit a new NOI, Comprehensive SWPPP, and all other required information, under Section 2.3 of this permit, along with appropriate fees. All construction activities must cease, except for those required to stabilize the site, until authorization to discharge may be granted.

B. All projects that received permit coverage under the 2006 CGP must modify their current SWPPP, as required by Section 3.1.1.F, and any SWPPP changes must be implemented no later than six (6) months following the effective date of the new permit.

C. For projects covered under the 2006 CGP, any individual or group that has signed a Co-permittee Agreement may continue to conduct work as a Co-permittee as long as the project’s coverage remains active and under the control of the operator to whom coverage was originally granted. SCDHEC Stormwater Permitting

3. What are the requirements of Section 3.1.1.F?

3.1.1 F. All SWPPPs associated with coverage approvals under the 2006 CGP, where coverage has not been terminated, will have to be updated in accordance with Section 3.1.1.F.I. Upon request, the Permittee shall make the updated SWPPP available for review by DHEC, MS4, or other local review entities. Any SWPPP changes must be implemented no later than six (6) months following the effective date of the new permit. I. The SWPPP approved for coverage under the 2006 CGP, will have to be revised to meet the following requirements in order to come into compliance with this permit: (a). 3.1.1.H.V.(h) – Record Keeping. An appendix must be added to the SWPPP to track the progress, compliance, modifications, and those associated with the construction site. (b). 3.2.10 – Non-Numeric Effluent Limits. Site-specific procedures and information must be included within the C-SWPPP that addresses all applicable Non-Numeric Effluent Limits, which would not significantly impact the approved design (i.e., would not be considered a Major Modification per Section 3.1.7.C of this permit). This would include, but is not limited to, any addition/relocation of erosion control BMPs, changes to internal drainage patterns, limiting the amount of disturbed area allowed at any given time, minimizing steep slopes, enhancing the stabilization of steep slopes, preserving topsoil, minimization of exposed construction debris, and restricting the use of the additional prohibited discharges listed in Section 3.2.10.E of this permit. (c). 4.2.B – Frequency of Site Inspections. All references to construction site inspection frequencies that are greater than once every calendar week must be revised to meet this weekly inspection requirement. (d). 4.2.D - Rain Gauge. A rain log must be added as an appendix of the SWPPP. (e). 4.2.H - Inspection Records. An inspection log must be added as an appendix of the SWPPP.

2012 SCDHEC Construction General Permit

4. Where do I find 2012 Construction Permit information and forms?

You will need to visit the SCDHEC web site. The Town will be updating the Town's project review process shortly and will post information on how and what to submit.

SCDHEC 2012 Construction Permit web pages.

5. I need to obtain a Clearing and Grading permit. When can I begin installing my silt fence and tree protection for the inspection?

Clearing and Grading inspections are performed to ensure that all sediment and erosion controls (i.e. - silt fence, inlet protection, and construction entrances) and tree protection has been installed per your approved plans. You can only begin installation of these BMPs after you have received your Town approval and SCDHEC Construction General Permit (CGP). Clearing and Grading permit applications are availabe at the "Forms" page. Remember to have your SWPPP inspector inspect the site and sign the application prior to submitting to the Town. Submit all Clearing and Grading applications to ddandy@tompsc.com. The Clearing and Grading Inspector will contact you to coordinate an inspection date and time.

6. What is considered land disturbance?

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control defines land disturbing activity as "any use of the land by any person that results in a change to the natural cover or topography that may cause erosion and contribute to sediment and alter the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff". This may include clearing, grading, excavation, placement of fill, and any other construction activity that is classified as earth disturbing. Tree removal is also considered land disturbance unless the entire root/stump structure is left in situ.

7. Do I need to hire a certified SWPPP inspector to perform inspections at my project?

If you received NPDES approval through the State, you will need to hire a certified SWPPP inspector to perform inspections of your site. The SWPPP inspector will check to ensure that all erosion control structures are being maintained and that there is minimal risk of contaminated runoff leaving the site. These inspections should be performed either, 1) every 7 days or 2) every 14 days and within 24 hours of 0.5 inches of rainfall. To find a list of South Carolina certified SWPPP inspectors, visit http://www.clemson.edu/public/cepsci/.

8. I installed/have a stormwater BMP on my property. Do I have to maintain the BMP or does the Town?

It is the property owner's responsibility to perform annual inspection and routine maintenance on their BMP. This applies to all owners of the property, even if you were not the original owner that installed the BMP. The Town is mandated by the State to enforce this inspection and maintenance. Visit our Post-Construction Process page to find out more information on long-term maintenance of your BMP.